Pastoralists begin clean-up

Gascoyne pastoralists are getting back on their feet and cleaning up flood-ravaged properties.

It is still too early to count stock that perished in the recent floods that devastated Carnarvon.

However, Pastoralists and Graziers Association president Rob Gillam said the re-stocking process could provide an alternative market for Kimberley cattle, in particular heavier cows, which are unsuitable for the Indonesian live export market.

Mr Gillam said young heifers that had previously been spayed and fattened for Asia could be used as breeders.

He added that some stations may even look to source cattle from the Northern Territory.

Carnarvon suffered terribly as the Gascoyne River burst its banks, but further south rising river levels have been welcomed.

The Murchison River was one such beneficiary, with its water levels rising from nought to four metres.

Department of Environment and Conservation senior ranger Mike Paxman said it was a spectacular sight, with the flow starting on December 20.